Bicycle MechanicsBroken bottom bracket? Tacoed wheel? If you're having problems with your bicycle, or just need help fixing a flat, drop in here for the latest on bicycle mechanics & bicycle maintenance.

I installed new chain rings this evening and feel pretty good with the results. Specifically the big and middle ring on a ten year old shimano crank. Big ring is a new 105 compact ring and the middle is a nice and light ultegra ten speed. consequently its still an 8 speed bike but the rings work fine (thanks sheldon brown) I left the crank on and just removed the rings while the bike was in the workstand. A few things Id note next time around, start with a clean chain! I cleaned mine but it was still a messy job. If you are doing a triple. make sure you don't install the middle ring backwards! I made that mistake. Luckily no blood was drawn but I can see how that might be a hazard. overall brought an old square taper shimano crank back to life. Sanded the crank arm down and used mothers mag polish too. It looks great.

thanks! id say im 3/4 of the way thru bike school. truing wheels, building wheels, installing threaded bottom brackets and forks are all that is left. the new rings seem nice and the chain hits all the gears quite well. new ramps and pins are way better then old ones. front derailleur thinks its ultegra...